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MUSIC WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY AND A CONFIDENCE
The Creative Original Artists Rock Radio Show showcases independent artist who are making their name in the music world. With keeping with this theme and as a partner with Mayhem Music Magazine, the C.O.A.R. Radio Show showcases Thadeus Gonzalez as their Spotlight Artist in this issue. This year Thadeus Gonzalez and his band has released their second album and it was time to showcase this great rock n roll band. Thadeus took the time to answer a few questions for us and this is what he had to say….
Mayhem Music Magazine: As a solo artist, in July of this year you released your self-titled sophomore album. Tell us what inspired the music and sound of the album this time around.
Thadeus Gonzalez: For my debut album, I did a lot of shows with my band, so I knew which styles I was leaning towards – songs that would work well live. I bounced ideas off my bass player, Scott Richards. I wanted my next album to be badass, a fresh sounding rock album. I’m not a fan of repeating myself, so this album had to be different. It was not difficult to do. I was inspired by the diversity of the Bay Area music scene. I think I wrote an album that explores my personality with a hard edge artistic approach.
Mayhem Music Magazine: You’ve received some pretty serious accolades with the 2017 Grammy nominations for yourself. Tell us about the nominations and which category would be the most fulfilling to win?
Thadeus Gonzalez: Well, I should clarify. I was on the first-round ballot that the nominations come from. Even that was a big honor, to be considered with artists I dig and admire. So next time, when I’m on the final nomination list, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album are the ones I would want to win.
Mayhem Music Magazine: You play some hard edged rock n roll without going to the side of being a metal band. What were your influences growing up and how did it shape your personal music style?
Thadeus Gonzalez: I grew up listening to alternative music like Depeche Mode, The Smiths, PJ Harvey. And I’ve always had a thing for glam, metal and punk rock. I think my music falls in between those sides. I don’t think I could express my songwriting in the best way if I wrote so far to one or the other side. I also don’t get a great deal of emotion when I hear songs that are safe sounding or typical. In the rock genre it’s very difficult to make a new, unique rock sound. I’ve attempted on this album to do that.
Mayhem Music Magazine: You were previously the frontman to Electric Sister. What made you decide to venture out on your own and form Thadeus Gonzalez?
Thadeus Gonzalez: Electric Sister was a great experience. Around this time my songwriting was evolving and maturing. I needed an outlet to let my songs be more accessible. That’s why I became a solo artist.
Mayhem Music Magazine: How did you choose the members of your band when you decided to go solo?
Thadeus Gonzalez: I wanted band members who could tear it up onstage. Guys who were not afraid to break strings and bones for a great show.
Mayhem Music Magazine: What bands were the members formerly in prior to joining you as a solo artist?
Thadeus Gonzalez: Scott Richards (bass) was in Electric Sister, Jason Lucero (guitar) was in Electric Sister and All-Time Highs. Rob Tucker (drums) plays in a project with Jason Newsted.
Mayhem Music Magazine: Are you someone who knows exactly what type of music you want to continue to put out going forward or do you think your sound is forever evolving?
Thadeus Gonzalez: I know what I want to hear but that doesn’t mean it’s been written yet. Nor does it mean I’m the one who will write it. Hopefully what I hear in my head will turn into what I write. Bottom line is I want music to turn me on. If that means evolving, then yes.
Mayhem Music Magazine: How has the music changed from your first album to this one?
Thadeus Gonzalez: My new album has solid, smart and focused songwriting, just like my first album. But this album has an urgency and a confidence in it. It is how I wanted to be heard for the first time by new listeners.
Mayhem Music Magazine: Do you have a tour or any shows that we should know about?
Thadeus Gonzalez: We have a Northwest Tour with Wolves In argyle starting next week. All the dates are on the website ThadeusGonzalez.com .
Mayhem Music Magazine: What do you consider are the pros and cons of the music industry for your brand of music?
Thadeus Gonzalez: I think the pros and cons are the same for most genres of music: You have to record music, go play shows and get your music out there. It’s never not going to be that for DJs to choirs to rock bands. The pros are it’s easier to do all three of those processes. The cons are lots of bands to sift through now to find the ones you really dig.
Mayhem Music Magazine: What should the public know about Thadeus Gonzalez?
Thadeus Gonzalez: I make rad, interesting music, and my live shows are dynamite. My band is as strong on stage as they come.
Mayhem Music Magazine: C.O.A.R Radio has been a big supporter of independent artists. What can you say about Timothy J and C.O.A.R. Radio?
Thadeus Gonzalez: Timothy has been playing my music and Electric Sister music for a few years now. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet him at some of my shows. Timothy is a solid supporter of rock music.
(Photos Courtesy of Thadeus Gonzalez)
Stay up to date on Thadeus Gonzalez by following them on facebook & twitter
and visit their website at www.ThadeusGonzalez.com
The original version of the interview with Thadeus Gonzalez can be seen in the following issue by clicking on the
MAYHEM MUSIC MAGAZINE Vol. 6 No. 5 Issue Cover
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